United Way launches new resource service for veterans in need

United Way Silicon Valley has launched 211 Veterans Resource Center to provide information about veterans' programs and services in Santa Clara County.

In addition to the telephone line, reached by dialing 211, there is the online website 211scc.org/veterans, which lists job openings, news updates, upcoming events for veterans and videos.

Carole Leigh Hutton, president and CEO of UWSV, said the service "provides veterans with free and easy access to the critical services they need."

Rick Bata, founder of The Warrior Project of San Jose and a U.S. Army veteran, said, "Often veterans who need help don't know where to go for the latest information. 211 is a valuable resource for the veterans and families we serve. We will continue to work together to add more veterans resources to the database and use 211 as a community dashboard on the needs of veterans in Santa Clara County."

Callers will find a trained call specialist who can help them in more than 170 languages around the clock, every day of the year.

Calls are confidential.

In addition to helping veterans, the 211 service offers information and referrals to such services as food, shelter, counseling, employment assistance, child care, wellness classes and more to anyone in need.